END OF YEAR EDITION
April. May. June. 2024
The Akhmedova Ballet Magazine is a product of the collaborative efforts of the students of the Akhmedova Ballet Academy. We wish to spread our ideas and knowledge, and connect with other dance communities.
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On June 8th, Akhmedova Ballet Academy had the pleasure of presenting a unique adaptation of the famed classic “Peter and The Wolf”; choreographed by Ms. Jessica Novakovich. Peter and The Wolf was originally created as a symphonic tale for children in 1936 by musical composer, Sergei Prokofiev. Each character in the story is represented by an instrument in the orchestra. The Bird – a flute, the Duck – an oboe, the Cat – a clarinet, the Wolf – a French horn, the Grandfather – a bassoon, the Hunters – a kettle drum and Peter – a violin. The story follows a young boy named Peter and his adventures with his animal friends Sonia, Ivan, and Sasha as they bravely work together to capture the evil wolf from persecuting the forest animals. In preparation for the show, the main cast members were required to learn all of the principal parts. Over the course of several weeks leading up to the show, we worked tirelessly trying to perfect our parts and bring the symphonic tale to life. We studied how the main character animals move in the real world and worked to imitate their movements into the show.
On the day of the show, we were all excited and nervous. I was especially nervous since being cast in the lead role of Peter. It was my first time taking on a principal part in an ABA production, and I wanted to make my teachers proud. During the stage warm up and rehearsal, I tried to close my eyes and take deep breaths in order to calm my nerves. We ran through the dress rehearsal a few times, which helped me feel a little more confident.
When it was time for the curtain to go up for the afternoon show, my heart started beating really fast. My entrance on stage was to go through the door of a little house; however, instead of pulling the handle on the door – I pushed it. I pushed it so hard that the little house fell over and I stood there with an audience full of children just staring at me. I froze! My teacher, Ms. Jessi, told me to keep going and that everything was going to be okay. I got back on stage and continued with the performance. I’m really proud of myself for not quitting and continue dancing.
The evening show was a great success! Since I got all my jitters out during the afternoon show, I was able to dance with confidence and remembered to pull the little house door instead of pushing it. The whole cast performed together very well, and the energy was high. I enjoyed hearing the audience laugh at the funny parts and be fully engaged in the story of Peter and the Wolf.
As the ballet season comes to a close, this ABA spring production will forever be in my heart as a time when I had to suddenly learn to be brave, just like Peter. I’m very grateful for my ABA teachers instilling in me a confidence that I didn’t know I had.
Charlotte
ACT 2: MAGICAL GARDEN AND AVANT-GARDE
This Spring, ABA performed a show of three different “acts” that demonstrate an extremely diverse and variety-filled program. The first act was a production of the ballet Peter and the Wolf, emphasizing story-telling and acting as the dancers portray the story of the folk tale. The vibrant costumes and original props were striking and the ballet was enjoyed by audiences of all ages. However, there would still be much more in store for them in the rest of the evening show.
Following the performance of Peter and the Wolf, the second act of ABA’s spring show features the Radetzky March, Norwegian Dances, and Magical Garden, a short yet captivating ballet choreographed by Mme. Akhmedova. In just 15 minutes, this piece tells a story of fairies, featuring an entrée, adagio, and a lively coda to finish. The music, composed by Mikhail Glinka (regarded as the “father of Russian music”), was originally from the opera Ruslan and Ludmilla, although it has been choreographed for ballet by many since then, one being renowned choreographer Mikhail Fokine.
Through rehearsing and performing Magical Garden, I believe that I have gained experience in what it is like to be part of a corps de ballet. In order for a performance to be exceptionally enhancing, professional, and high-quality, it is crucial for corps de ballet dancers to display precision and unity as a whole. Because much of Magical Garden demands such elements, during this process, I have been able to recognize the importance of precision and the details in placement, technique, and musicality that truly make a handful of dancers a unified performing group. In striving to pursue this quality of performance, we have also developed skills like watching each other for timing and building awareness of ourselves and the dancers around us.
Ultimately, because of all the drilling, cleaning, and rehearsing, Magical Garden had formed into something I really enjoyed performing. At times, being on stage gives me a certain adrenaline and energy that makes me run a little faster or jump a little higher, and I experienced this while performing Magical Garden. Besides all the technique and precision required, we should never forget to live in the moment and have fun performing with our fellow dancers and friends!
Next, contrasting the generally classical style of the second act comes the third act, with a focus on contemporary and character choreographies; many of these pieces premiered at the Spring show and will continue on next season to participate in many competitions including IDTCI, happening in Mesagne, Italy, this summer. One of the main pieces that we performed for the first time at the show was Avant-Garde, a contemporary group dance choreographed by Jessica Novakovich.
The term “avant-garde” refers to the experimentation and introducing of new ideas in the arts, often which are considered unusual or controversial. Because of this, avant-garde artists who try to break away from the trends and normalized standards of their time frequently face harsh criticism and rejection from society as they try to expand and stretch limits. However, on several occasions, as we look back on those people in history who were once called outrageous or ludicrous, their work is now highly acknowledged and even considered genius. This philosophy is what the choreographer aimed to communicate in the creation of this piece, starting from the selection of music: excerpts from cantata Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. Beginning with the thunderous strike of a drum and featuring uneven rhythms, glissandos, bells, and vocal exclamations, this piece was unlike any other dance we had done -- and unlike any other music of its time. In the choreography, each dancer is separately featured as doing something contrasting the rest, while the others execute identical and almost robotic steps. The dancer breaking away represents an avant-garde artist being ostracized from the rest of society: they are pushed down, thrown, hidden away, advanced upon, glared at or faced with fists. The dancer responds with expressions of fear, looking over their shoulder and desperately trying to crawl away or reach out before they are buried back into the rest of the group as they continue in absolute unison and order.
Embarking on this unique choreography was a very courageous decision, and required both the commitment of the teacher and dancers. However, we knew that this would challenge us and introduce us to more diverse choreography and complex themes. Several hours had gone into constructing this piece, with many iterations in order to find the best way to convey the message of the dance and fulfill the vision of the choreographer (Ms. Jessica stated that she will not stop “until it is right”). Even then, the Spring show was just the beginning, and I cannot wait to see where this piece will take us in the future.
Elaine
ABA’S SPRING PERFORMANCES
WITH CHARLOTTE AND ELAINE
Throughout this summer intensive at Akhmedova Ballet Academy, I have enjoyed the experience and appreciated my teachers, Ms. Marina Timofeeva, Ms. Jessica Novakovich, and Mme. Akhmedova who have taught me work ethic and discipline. I treasure these lessons, and they will be valuable later in my dance journey.
This summer intensive has allowed me to slow down and really work on aspects of dance that I usually don’t have time for during the school year. For example, I am able to practice my variations and contemporary solo in my private lessons more often with ABA teachers. This allows me to really focus on details to polish and clean my dances.
Another area I really appreciate is personalized corrections that have helped me to grow and improve as an artist. I have not only learned ballet technique but also have learned the use of port de bras to convey emotion through my movements.
One of my favorite classes during the summer intensive is variations and point repertoire. I enjoy learning new variations and learning to embody the character I am dancing. I am currently learning the Peasant Pas variation with my dance mates Emma and Isabell. I love how different variations evoke different emotions and the complexity of the movements. Every step has a meaning to the character that helps to portray and create a story.
Finally, at the end of the intensive, I look forward to showcasing our hard work and creations for the proud and enthusiastic ABA parents. I am incredibly grateful for being able to be a part of the Akhmedova Ballet Academy summer intensive and improve my artistry and technique as a ballet dancer.
Eliana
INTO ABA’S SUMMER INTENSIVES
WITH ELIANA
ABT season opened with the ballet Onegin one of the greatest story ballets of the 20th Century. This ballet adaptation of Alexander Pushkin’s verse novel Eugene Onegin falls into the “literal visualization” category, remaining faithful to the source’s plot and characterization. Choreographed by John Cranko and set to music by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky (arranged and orchestrated by Kurt-Heinz Stolze), the three-act ballet received its World Premiere by Stuttgart Ballet in 1965.
It was wonderful to see my former student Hee Seo, principal dancer with ABT in the role of Tatiana at the Lincoln Center in NYC. Her partner was James Whiteside who danced the role of Onegin with great elegance. Hee was the innocent girl in the first act, the emotional loving and hopelessly trusting young woman in the second act and the mature and strong wife in the third act. Her technique was exquisite and beautiful.
Cranko’s duets are very intricate, difficult and filled with emotions. Hee and James complemented and completed each other beautifully. Another highlight in this performance was Tatiana’s and Prince Gremin’s (Andrii Ishchuk) adagio duet in the third act. It was sensible, beautiful and conveyed exactly what Pushkin described in his book. All lifts were executed effortless and both danced with great love and professionalism.
I am so happy to have seen my former student Hee Seo doing what she loves with passion and succeeding in this one-of-a-kind art form.
ABA’S SPECIAL EVENTS
As the month of June comes to a close, the time fast approaches when ABA dancers will travel to Italy for the International Dance Talent Competition Italy (IDTCI). This will be our second year returning to this competition and we are so incredibly excited to be part of it. Travelling to Italy was an incredible experience last year as all the students performed and represented ABA beautifully. Many students received awards like Lucy Qian who received first place in both the classical and contemporary divisions, as well as best female dancer of the whole competition. ABA’s ensembles also received many awards such as Bliss and Viva Tarantella that received first and second in the character division. Terra E Liberta that received first in duets, Resolute that received second in the contemporary category and Quantum Intuition that received first in the contemporary category. Finally, we won Best School Award which was all due to our incredible Artistic Director who so wisely has trained the students and led them in this incredible experience. We are so anticipating our next adventure as we travel back to Italy!
ABA IS ITALY BOUND
WITH JESSICA
This spring, ABA had the privilege of attending the UBC Grand Prix Finals in Orlando, Florida. We prepared and performed a multitude of group dances and solos, all of which qualified for the final competition. My experience at UBC this year was remarkable, and I will forever remember this competition season.
The highlight of competing at UBC Finals was rehearsing and performing various pieces alongside my hardworking and dedicated peers under the guidance of our esteemed teachers: Madame Akhmedova, Ms. Marina Timofeeva, and Ms. Jessica Novakovich.
Witnessing the passion and precision that goes into every piece and detail was truly inspiring, and I am immensely grateful to see the continuous hard work put into this stunning art form.
Another memorable aspect of the UBC Finals was the gala performance, which featured the Legacy winners and professional dancers from across America. The gala was not only entertaining but also introduced the audience to a new side of ballet and contemporary dance, showcasing a variety of ballets and choreographed pieces. This experience was truly enriching, and I will forever cherish the memories made during this remarkable event.
Emma
UBC AWARDS
Solos and Ensembles Awards
6th Place Senior Com Classical – Lucy Qian
11th Place Senior Com Contemporary – Lucy Qian
11th Place Junior Com Contemporary – Eliana Honda
20th Place Junior Com Contemporary – Emma Paskhal
4th Place Junior Com Trio – Bohemian Girls
5th Place Junior Com Trio - Norwegian Dance
1st Place Junior Com Ensemble – Quantum Intuition
2nd Place Junior Com Ensemble – Viva Tarantella
4th Place Junior Com Ensemble – Happy Boots
ABA at the Universal Ballet Competition Finals
WITH EMMA
A SNEAK PEAK INTO UBC FINALS
OLESYA NOVIKOVA
Ask the Artistic Director
WITH MME. AKHMEDOVA
Playa del Carmen
ABA’s artistic director, Jacqueline Akhmedova is honored to be invited as a judge in the prestigious jury panel at the Playa Del Carmen Dance Competition, 2025. This will be Mme. Akhmedova’s second year returning as a judge for this wonderful competition. Having been a judge during the 2020 season of this competition, Mme. Akhmedova is excited to return and enjoy the high levels of talent and passion. ABA and its dancers excitedly await this next adventure.